Dart Helicopter Services' affiliated partner, Dart Aerospace, has received the EASA certification of its revolutionary Round-I-BeamTM Skidtube for the EC135. FAA approval was received in October 2006.

The Dart Round-I-BeamTM Skidtube has long been a staple in the rotary wing industry and has received recognition around the globe for providing a high quality, easy to install and durable skid tube solution. In recent years, Dart has extended the advantages of Round-I-BeamTM Skidtube technology to an ever increasing variety of aircraft, including Light and Medium Bell, Eurocopter AS350/355, BO 105, SA 315 and now the EC 135. Dart is currently working to bring this innovative design to the BK 117.

The Round-I-BeamTM Skidtube for the EC 135 incorporates the proven strength of the I-Beam into a conventional round tube. Like other Dart skidtubes, the EC 135 skidtube is up to 10 times more resistant to damage when compared to regular skidtubes. This skidtube comes complete with stainless steel wearplates that are installed with a protective rubber membrane between the tube and the wearplate, virtually eliminating any corrosion associated with the wearplates and the skidtubes. The EC 135 skidtube is compatible with standard low and float landing gear and is pre-drilled and adaptable for compatibility with Apical Floats. The skidtube is supplied complete with full length steel wearplates and tungsten carbide welded wearplate under the saddle area for additional protection. Other features of the skidtube include:

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Round-I-Beam construction that is up to 10 times more resistant to damage when compared to regular skidtubes

LH/RH interchangeability

Compatibility with Apical Float Systems

Stainless steel wearplates

"The EC 135 Skidtube, like many of the Dart skidtubes, is LH/RH interchangeable which allows operators to reduce their inventory. This, coupled with the proven durability of the product, ensures an overall cost savings to operators," commented Jeff Shapiro, CEO of Dart Helicopter Services.